Wales Float team manager Ben Roberts was a proud man after Team Wales posted a more than respectable 13th placed finish at the 70th Coarse Angling for Nations World Championship in Béthune, northern France.
The team, led by Ben, also included Sam Cochrane, Chris Greensides, John Harvey, Steve Roberts and James Thomas fishing over two competition days among a stellar field.
After ending day one in 17th, the team rallied to end 13th in the rankings overall out of 27 competing teams.
“Overall fabulous for Team Wales, amongst real good company, a pretty good result to be honest,” said Ben.
“We had a massive improvement on the second day and shot up the rankings which I’m really happy about.
“After day one, we had a meeting and I asked all the lads to not let this be one of those times where we don’t improve from day one. I said to them we’ve learned a lot today – let’s go for it and try and improve on the result, and I’m absolutely made up.”
Ben gave a special mention to “outstanding” teammate Steve Roberts – who only returned to the sport two years ago and finished fourth in his section after day two.
“I’m sure he won’t mind me mentioning that he had some problems when he was younger,” Ben said.
“But he’s got over them, he’s got a family now, got kids, and has settled in life.
“He has come back into fishing and, wow, within two years is fishing a World Championships and coming fourth in his section.
“That is just outstanding.”
Croatia took the gold medal ahead of silver medallists Italy and France, who bagged bronze.
Check out full reaction from Ben Roberts in the video below.
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